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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Treating type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in PNAS reports a breakthrough treatment for type 1 diabetes in mice, utilizing a combination of haploidentical mixed chimersim and administration of gastrin and epidermal growth factor. This approach successfully reversed autoimmunity, augmented beta cell regeneration, and normalized blood glucose levels by reactivat...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

A gel for dosage compensation

A team of researchers has discovered a novel gel-like state that enables male fruit flies to compensate for their single X chromosome. The mechanism, which involves the assembly of roX-MSL2 gel, allows the complex to distinguish and mark the X chromosome. This innovation sheds light on how dosage compensation is achieved in male flies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2020

New study reveals a holistic way to look at neurons in the brain

Researchers used a technique called Patch-seq to capture data from over 4,200 mouse neurons, classifying them into 28 different types based on their morphology, electrical properties, and gene expression profiles. This new categorization lays the groundwork for a more complete understanding of the mammalian brain.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2020

Monkey see others, monkey do: How the brain allows actions based on social cues

A recent brain study by Masaki Isoda and colleagues found that a specific connection between two regions in the front of the brain allows monkeys to correctly interpret social cues. This ability requires the PMv-mPFC pathway, which enables monkeys to differentiate between accidental mistakes and rule changes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2020

Detect with PKAchu

Biologists developed fluorescent mice to visualize protein kinase A (PKA) activation in the retina. They found that light stimulation activates PKA for nearly 15 minutes in rod cells, which are essential for night vision.

SourceKyoto University·DateOct 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study discovers gene that helps us know when it's time to urinate

Researchers discovered a gene called PIEZO2 that helps the body sense when the bladder is full, leading to an urge to urinate. The study, published in Nature, found that PIEZO2 is highly active in certain neurons and cells that line the bladder, suggesting its role in controlling the urinary process.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2020

Swine coronavirus replicates in human cells

A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals that the swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) strain has the potential to spread to humans. The virus efficiently replicates in human airway and intestinal cells, raising concerns about its threat to public health.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Inside mitochondria and their fascinating genome

Researchers have discovered that mitochondrial RNA's are packaged into tiny liquid droplets that can fuse together and break apart, providing insight into the dynamic nature of mitochondrial genetics. This finding is crucial for understanding how cells produce energy and has implications for diseases caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

"Stretching rack" for cells

Researchers create micro-scaffolds that stretch cells, triggering a response to external forces. The cells counteract deformation with motor proteins, increasing their tensile forces and adapting to dynamic environments.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2020

New type of taste cell discovered in taste buds

Researchers identified a previously unknown subset of Type III cells that are broadly responsive to different tastes, revolutionizing our knowledge of taste detection. This discovery provides new insights into how taste information is sent to the brain and suggests that taste buds are more complex than initially thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 13, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Taste bud cells might not be a target of SARS-CoV-2

Research in mice indicates ACE2 receptor is primarily found on tongue cells with rough surfaces, not in taste bud cells, suggesting alternative mechanisms for SARS-CoV-2-induced taste loss.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateAug 5, 2020

Reducing the adverse impact of water loss in cells

A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers identify microRNA that shows promise for hair regrowth

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has identified a microRNA, miR-218-5p, that enhances the molecular pathway responsible for promoting hair follicle growth. The study found that increasing miR-218-5p promoted hair regrowth in mice treated with 3D cultured dermal papilla cells.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Malaria drug chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2

A study found that malaria drug chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung cells, raising concerns about its potential use as a COVID-19 treatment. The research highlights the importance of using relevant cell lines in clinical trials to ensure effective treatments.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Tiny mineral particles are better vehicles for promising gene therapy

UW-Madison researchers have created a safer way to deliver mRNA-based therapy for cancer, liver disorders, and vaccination. Tiny mineral particles (MCMs) with pores on their surface can carry molecules like proteins or messenger RNA, mimicking ancient discoveries in archaeology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2020

Electrogenetic device offers on-demand release of cellular insulin

Researchers have developed a wearable device that uses external electric fields to trigger insulin release from bioengineered cells, stabilizing blood glucose levels in mice. The approach opens the door for remote-controlled diabetes therapies and represents an expansion of electrogenetic toolboxes for human therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020

Directed protein evolution with CRISPR-Cas9

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 method to optimize proteins in mammalian cells, producing the fluorescent protein mCRISPRed that labels lysosomes. This technique enables targeted protein diversification and validation within organelles, opening new possibilities for biosensors, receptors, and therapeutic proteins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 26, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Lighting up cells with genetically-encoded X-ray-sensitive probes

Researchers have developed genetically-encoded X-ray-sensitive tags for site-specific labeling of protein-of-interest in mammalian cells. This enables endogenous labeling of diverse molecules and subcellular structures with an ultrahigh spatial resolution of ~30 nm. The high photostability of these tags allows long-term observation of ...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 18, 2020

Scientists generate millions of mature human cells in a mouse embryo

Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a method to produce millions of mature human cells in mouse embryos, which could lead to game-changing stem cell treatments for critical diseases. The technique involves converting human pluripotent stem cells into a form compatible with the inner cell mass inside a mouse blastocyst, ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2020

See a 3D mouse brain with single-cell resolution

A new 3D atlas of the mouse brain provides cellular-level detail, identifying previously unseen structures and nerve fibers. The Allen Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework (CCFv3) is an average of serial images from 1,675 mice, allowing for comparison and integration of diverse data types.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Arteries respond in opposite ways for males and females

A new study reveals that a key protein in controlling high blood pressure behaves differently in males and females. In female mice, the protein Kv2.1 contracts blood vessels, while in male mice, it dilates them. This difference has significant implications for developing tailored treatment strategies for hypertension in men and women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2020

Study analyzes contamination in drug manufacturing plants

The MIT-led consortium analyzed 18 incidents of viral contamination in biopharmaceutical drugs and found that most were caused by Chinese hamster ovary cells. The study recommends companies use rapid virus detection systems and new technologies to inactivate or remove viruses from cell culture media.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 27, 2020

Brown fat can burn energy in an unexpected way

Researchers discovered a novel pathway that boosts brown fat cell's heat-generating capacity without increasing fat accumulation. This finding suggests that activating this pathway may benefit people with obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic diseases.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Preservation of testicular cells to save endangered feline species

Scientists at Leibniz-IZW developed a method to isolate and cryopreserve testicular cells of threatened or endangered felines. The method allows for the safekeeping of gametes, enabling conservation efforts through biobanking and future applications in species preservation.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalCryobiology·DateMar 31, 2020

New therapeutic strategy against diabetes

Maintaining vitamin D receptor levels in pancreatic cells may protect against diabetes development and counteract cell damage. Researchers found that sustained VDR expression preserves β-cell mass and function, reducing inflammation and hyperglycemia.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 26, 2020

Preventing spread of SARS coronavirus-2 in humans

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 requires the protease TMPRSS2 to enter host cells, a target for therapeutic intervention. The drug camostat mesilate, approved for pancreatic inflammation, shows promise in blocking virus entry into lung cells.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 27, 2020

A promising new strategy to help broken bones heal faster

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an affordable oral therapy to help broken bones heal faster in people with diabetes. The therapy, grown in plants, uses a protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to stimulate bone-building cells and promote bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 24, 2020

More clues for how the monkeyflower got its spots

Researchers discovered that the monkeyflower's distinctive spots are controlled by a reaction-diffusion mechanism involving two proteins. The study used mathematical modeling and experimentation to validate the theory, shedding light on how natural patterns arise.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Research shows the way to more efficient EPO production

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark have discovered a way to improve EPO production by knocking out specific genes in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. This results in a 1.4-fold increase in production and significantly improved product quality, with up to 40% of the most active EPO form produced.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateFeb 19, 2020

New platform for composing genetic programs in mammalian cells

A new synthetic biology toolkit called COMET allows researchers to design and tune gene expression programs in mammalian cells with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel cell-based therapies for cancer and other challenging diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Bovine embryo completely regenerates placenta-forming cells

A bovine embryo successfully regenerates its placenta-forming cells, demonstrating a high regenerative capacity compared to mice. The study opens up possibilities for genetic testing and breeding cattle with improved qualities.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 7, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Activating immune cells could revitalize the aging brain, study suggests

Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell accumulates in older brains and that activating these cells improves the memory of aged mice. Activating these cells also increases the formation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus and reduces inflammation.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

The first roadmap for ovarian aging

Researchers analyzed ovarian cells from young and old non-human primates to understand ovarian aging. They identified genes that could be used as biomarkers and point to therapeutic targets for diagnosing and treating female infertility and age-associated ovarian diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 30, 2020

New roles found for Huntington's disease protein

A new study reveals that neurons in the striatum require the huntingtin gene for regulating movement, maintaining cell health, and developing connections between cells. This discovery may provide a new avenue against Huntington's disease, which affects motor control, dementia, and psychiatric symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 21, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

How cells learn to 'count'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that specialized cells use a process more common in non-mammalian species to create hundreds of cilia, challenging the long-held assumption that deuterosomes play a central role. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cilia-related disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 30, 2019

New study enhances knowledge about widespread diseases

A new study reveals that molecular chaperones play a crucial role in preventing the misfolding of alpha-synuclein protein, which is associated with diseases like Parkinson's. By inhibiting these chaperones, researchers found that alpha-synuclein aggregates can form at the amino acid level.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2019

Reprogramming inner ear to regrow hair cells promising target for hearing loss treatments

Researchers discovered a way to reprogram mature inner ear cells to proliferate and regenerate hair-cell-like cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of treatments to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. The study provides hope for regrowing sensory hair cells and other important inner ear cell types.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Downstream signaling: Cilia release ectosomes to deliver important messages in the kidney

Researchers at MUSC found that primary cilia generate approximately 60% of small EVs produced by renal tubule cells, with manipulation of cilium length affecting EV production. The protein content of EVs varies depending on cilia length, suggesting a significant role for cilia in intercellular communication.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 25, 2019

Filaments that structure DNA

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a mechanism by which actin filaments are formed in the nucleus, controlling chromatin dynamics and influencing genome readability. Physiological messengers trigger the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments, regulating the density of chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Unlocking the black box of embryonic development

A team of international scientists has developed a new method for culturing primate embryos in the lab, allowing them to study early developmental processes for the first time. The breakthrough provides valuable insight into embryonic development and potentially informs approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

Male and female mice have different brain cells

Researchers discovered unique brain cell types specific to male and female mice in the hypothalamus region, which governs aggression and mating behaviors. The study found 17 distinct cell types, with some abundant in males and others only in females.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Scientists find timekeepers of gut's immune system

Researchers found type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are responsible for maintaining the gut's immune system. Targeting clock genes may lead to treatments for digestive ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 4, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.